Longtime lurker here, Homes are going for about $663,500 on average. Household incomes average around $84,477 in Escondido. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
40 upvotes
7 Replies
Julian Thompson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Boston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Violet Foster
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
27 upvotes
Katherine Green
not my experience at all
25 upvotes
Madelyn
I work in manufacturing here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is challenging. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Kinsley L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 30, moved here 1 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Old Town and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
19 upvotes
Maya Watson
This.
18 upvotes
Violet Nelson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
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